Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

Overview

To function effectively as a social/human services professional, one must grasp not only the critical skills involved with client and community engagement, but also have a firm understanding of the administration of social and human services delivery organizations within the larger environment. Practitioners must be able to manage client relationships, approach problem-solving analytically, and address administrative and organizational issues in a variety of different political, legal, ethical, and fiscal contexts. The Human Services Administration Certificate is an excellent opportunity for students who wish to boost the critical skills essential for practice in community and social assistance roles and obtain a targeted credential in the social/human services field.

Who would most benefit?

The Human Services Administration Certificate program is designed for those who wish to improve their client interface skills and administration skills in the context of the social and human services delivery field. The program is ideal for those pursuing careers in social and human services organizations, counseling, education, and management, as well as for those wanting to pursue a graduate program in one of the social sciences.

Requirements

To earn the Certificate, students must complete 7 courses with a "C" or better. Students who have already completed similar courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, but they must complete at least six courses at CUA to earn the certificate.

Schedule

Courses are scheduled on an accelerated basis, enabling students to complete the entire program in as little as one calendar year. Courses are typically offered:

• One evening per week (5:30 - 9:45 pm) for a half-semester, OR
• One evening per week (6:10 - 8:40 pm or 6:35- 9:05 pm) or online for a full semester.

Courses involving more complex concepts and quantitative courses tend to meet for the full term. Typically, credits earned toward a certificate program may be applied toward CUA's bachelor's degree programs as well.

Required Courses

Course #

Title

Description

MSO 365

Introduction

To

Counseling

Provides the student with background in the three basic elements of counseling: self-development, skill development, and process development. Engages students in research on theoretical issues and practical applications of various counseling modalities, as well as examining the process of assessment, treatment, and evaluation as practiced in professional counseling. Provides opportunities to practice a variety of counseling skills with appropriate monitoring and assessment of application.

MSO 328

Public Policy

and

Human Services

Designed to provide students with an understanding of how changes within the local government affect the way social and human services are provided to the poor and indigent in the District of Columbia.

MSO 340

Human

Services

Administration

Serves as a capstone course designed to focus on the operational activities associated with managing and growing a human services organization. Emphasizes issues such as strategic planning and management, organizational assessment, community outreach, and fund-raising.

Note: MSO 335 Human Services Delivery: Skills, Strategies, and Resources may be substituted for this course with advisor approval.

MSO 345

Legal Issues

in

Human Services

Explores the legislative issues and court decisions related to client rights and care as well as the legal standards to which human service workers are held accountable. The dynamic interplay between law, ethical codes of conduct, and good professional practice is examined.

MSO 450

Case

Management

Focuses on the case management process to include intake, assessment, action plans, referrals, and resource identification. Assists students in developing/enhancing the appropriate writing skills necessary for creating treatment plans and drafting organizational reports.

MSO XXX

Social/Behavioral

Science Elective #1

Students may choose from the following*:

MSO 101 Introduction to Human Services

MSO 180 Introduction to Psychology

MSO 190 Introduction to Sociology

MSO 203 Social Problems

MSO 250 Abnormal Pscychology

MSO 334: Human Services Delivery: A Comprehensive Evaluation

MSO 461 Psychology of Group Behavior

*Additional courses may be approved by your academic advisor.

MSO XXX

Social/Behavioral

Science Elective #2

Please see above.

Admission

Anyone over the age of twenty-one years who graduated from an accredited high school, completed the General Educational Development Test (GED) successfully, or who has successfully completed some work in an accredited institution of higher learning may apply for admission to MSPS. Application to the undergraduate (for-credit) program includes the following:

1. Application with non-refundable fees.